Early identification of food allergens is critical to reduce the risk of allergen-induced complications. There are many substances that can cause allergic reactions, including protein foods/drinks, pets, insects, pollen, and other environmental allergens. Allergy testing in Encino can help you determine the particular allergens that are responsible for provoking the allergic reaction.
SEE WHY DR. ZARIAN IS THE BEST ALLERGY SPECIALIST IN ENCINO
Your Encino, CA, allergist may recommend any one of the following allergy tests:
1. Skin prick test
The specialist will apply a small amount of the food or item suspected to evoke an allergic reaction on your firearm with a dropper, and then prick the skin gently using a sterile lancet. If a bump forms with some itchiness and redness around it, then you are likely allergic to that item. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
2. Intradermal test
The steps are similar to the skin prick test, except that it involves an actual injection to insert the allergens into the skin.
3. Blood test
This test is also very common, especially for younger children suffering from a skin condition or adults who are taking medications such as beta blockers that could affect skin test results. However, you need to wait for 1-2 weeks to get the results.
Many people know what causes an allergic reaction without necessarily waiting for the rest results. For instance, people with gluten allergies experience symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating after consuming barley, wheat, or rye, while those with milk allergies experience similar symptoms after consuming dairy products.
What causes food allergies?
Food allergies arise when the body’s immune system responds abnormally to a specific food protein or additive. The immune system mistakenly identifies the protein as being harmful, prompting it to create specific antibodies to fight against it and protect the body. This reaction leads to inflammation of the body tissues, triggering both minor and severe symptoms of an allergy that may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face
- Shortness of breath and/or wheezing
- Rash, hives, or eczema
- Low blood pressure
Visit your Encino allergist today
If you suspect that you have a milk allergy or some other food allergy, you should visit an allergies specialist in Encino for proper diagnosis. Your allergist will then recommend a modified or special diet, and continually reassess it for effectiveness. You may also need to keep a daily food diary, indicating any foods, drinks, and medications you take, along with any symptoms that develop.
If the symptoms are caused by only one or two food items, you can simply try to avoid those specific foods or drinks. But generally, the foods to avoid, how long you should avoid them, and when you should consider eating them again, are all decisions that should be arrived at together with your allergy specialist in Encino.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss your food allergies with Dr. David Zarian.